Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Outpouring of Support for South Addison Fishermen Lost at Sea
(S. Addison) There’s no doubt the fishing community is a family, and the family of two South Addison fishermen lost at sea this month reached out to us yesterday and asked us to share information on the fundraising efforts of that close-knit community. From a GoFundMe page, to a raffle, to a benefit supper, there are many ways to help Chet’s widow, Aaron’s mother. We’ve shared the information on our Star 97.7 FB page. To help with organization, anyone wishing to have a fundraiser is asked to contact Stephanie Chambers at the information given.
(S. Addison) There’s no easing the pain for the family of the two South Addison fishermen lost at sea this month. But there are ways to help ease the financial burden of those left behind. The sister of Chet Barrett’s widow reached out to us yesterday and asked us to share information on ongoing fundraisers – from a GoFundMe page, to a lottery and raffle, to a benefit supper, the community has really reached out in support. We’ve posted the information on ways you can contribute on our Star 97.7 FB page and champion the efforts of the caring community that has come together in a time of tragedy like this.
Former Maine Politician’s Law License Suspended
(Maine) State regulators have suspended the law license of an activist attorney who served nearly two terms as a Democrat in the legislature. The Bangor Daily News reports the order cites “exigent circumstance” in the immediate interim suspension of former State Representative Lynne Williams, but does not go into detail on her conduct. The order also cites ten violations of the state’s rules for lawyer conduct, but does not give specifics on what those alleged violations involved.
(Maine) A former Maine State Representative has had her law license suspended by state regulators. The Bangor Daily news reports Lynne Williams, an activist attorney who served nearly two terms as a Democrat in the legislature, received an order from state regulators citing “exigent circumstance” in her immediate interim suspension. The order cites ten violations of the state’s rules for lawyer conduct, but does not give specifics as to what those alleged violations involved.
Local Politics
King Cosponsors Price Transparency on Prescription Drug Prices Bill
(Washington, DC) You know those flashy ads for prescription drugs? Senator Angus King wants the pharmaceutical industry to disclose their cost up front. King is cosponsoring a bipartisan bill, the Drug Price Transparency for Consumers Act, that would require price disclosures on advertisements for prescription drugs in order to inform patients considering using those medications and to help them make wise choices. King said the pharmaceutical companies spend $6B a year in drug advertisements that, studies show, often steer patients to more expensive drugs, even when not needed. King said the legislation would promote transparency, boost competition, and bring down the cost of prescription drugs.
(Washington, DC) Consumers are bombarded with flashy ads for prescription drugs. Senator Angus King is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation he says would promote transparency, boost competition, and bring down the cost of such drugs. The Drug Price Transparency for Consumers Act would require price disclosures on advertisements for prescription drugs in order to help patients considering using the drugs make informed decisions. King says a recent report by the Government Accountability Office found among the top ten drugs with the highest cost to Medicare, four were also in the top ten for advertising spending – Humira, Eliquis, Keytruda, and Lyrica. Studies show the pharmaceutical industry spends about $6B a year in drug advertisements that they say often steer patients to more expensive drugs, even when they don’t need them.
City of Ellsworth Looking for Volunteers
(Ellsworth) Looking for ways to serve in our community? The City of Ellsworth is seeking volunteers to serve on the Planning, Recreation Commission, and Cemetery Commission Boards. Information on each of the boards and how to apply can be found on the City of Ellsworth FB page.
Education
Secretary of State’s Office Offers Maine Constitution Poster and Essay Contest
(Augusta) The Maine Secretary of State’s office is offering the Maine Constitution Poster and Essay Contest, with entries due March 7th. The contests – one for students in grades K through 5, and one for middle and high school students – are designed to promote the history of Maine, its Constitution, and the importance of democracy and voting. In 2024, the contest drew 162 entries from across the state. For more information, visit the poster and essay contest page on the Secretary of State’s website.
College of the Atlantic 24-Hour Challenge
(Bar Harbor) College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor’s 24 Hour Challenge is coming up February 11th. The Annual event seeks to raise $100K from 550 donors in order to trigger $150K in matching challenge funds, thanks to six close friends of the college. This year’s event will feather a round-the-clock campfire, ice skating, food, friends and more. COA says it relies on contributions from the community to provide their unique and impactful educational experience to students. Learn more at c o a dot e d u.
Economy
Weather No Deterrent for Fill the Strand Fundraiser
(Rockland) Remember the snowstorm a week ago Monday? Weather was no match for the AIO “Fill the Strand” fundraiser in Rockland, benefitting AIO food and energy assistance. The annual fundraiser asks the community to fill every seat in the Strand with a bag of nonperishable groceries or an equivalent donation. Not only did they meet that goal, they received enough food – nearly 3,000 pounds – and donations – $16K – to fill each seat in the historic theatre twice and then some. They say your support gives them the ability to provide free, healthy, plentiful food so families can divert their limited means to stay warm at least into March.
(Rockland) January 20th’s snowstorm on Martin Luther King Jr. Day was no match for a caring community that turned out to support the AIO – Area Interfaith Outreach’s annual “Fill the Strand” fundraiser. The goal each year is to fill each seat in the historic theatre with a bag of nonperishable food or the monetary equivalent. Not only did the community step up to meet that goal – they did it twice over, donating nearly 3,000 pounds of food and $16K, enough to fill each seat twice and then some. AIO offers food and energy assistance, weekend meals, and a diaper program to those in the Rockland area. They say they’re grateful for such community support and they always welcome donations and volunteers.
Historic MDI Hotel to Reopen
(MDI) The Asticou will reopen on Mount Desert Island this summer, following a $28M renovation that kept it closed last summer. The Bangor Daily News reports the inn will sport a fresh new look and feel, with 82 renovated rooms, and the addition of 15 standalone harborside cottages, along with 17 spa suites with terraces. Rates for rooms will reportedly start at $750 a night.
(MDI) The former Asticou Inn, now known simply as the Asticou, will reopen this summer, following a $28M renovation. The Bangor Daily News reports the Asticou is one of the few remaining hotels on Mount Desert Island built before World War II, having survived the Great Fire of 1947. The newly renovated inn will feature 82 renovated rooms, 50 of which are inside the original inn, with prices starting at $750 a night.
Community Closet 207 Offers Internship
(Ellsworth) Community Closet 207 in Ellsworth is looking for the perfect person to join their internship program involving social media and merchandising. The position is 12 hours per week, offers job training and community service hours and a paid part-time job opportunity in April. Email your resume to community closet (the numerals) 207 at gmail .com.
Environment
Maine DEP Solicits Application for Coastal Sand Dune Restoration Projects
(Augusta) Coastal sand dunes – they’re vital for protecting the state’s shorelines, supporting diverse wildlife, and maintaining the health of coastal environments. Unfortunately, such systems have become increasingly vulnerable, due to changing weather patterns, major coastal storms, and rising sea levels. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is committed to implementing projects that will restore, protect, conserve and re-vegetate these essential areas with funding to support such projects. MDEP says as part of the FY 24/25 supplemental budget, the legislature allocated a million dollars for restoration and protection of the state’s sand dunes. To apply, contact david dot madore at maine dot gov.
(Augusta) Maine’s coastal sand dunes are under attack from changing weather patterns, major coastal storms, and the consequences of rising sea levels. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is committed to implementing projects designed to restore, protect, conserve and re-vegetate these vital areas through a million dollars allocated as part of the FY 24/25 budget. Submission of applications for funding of such projects is now open through MDEP – look for Grant Funding Opportunities on their website. MDEP says coastal sand dunes are critical for protecting the state’s shorelines, supporting diverse wildlife, and maintaining the health of coastal environments.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Abbe Museum Prepares for Centennial
(Bar Harbor) The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor is preparing for its centennial in 2028 with the announcement of their new three-year strategic plan. The plan outlines the museum’s mission, vision, and value, reaffirms its educational mission, and focuses staff on activating patrons to be better and more informed allies of the Wabanaki Nations. More information can be found on the Abbe’s website.
(Bar Harbor) It’s looking good for its age, but that’s likely because it’s remained active – very active. We’re talking about the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor. As the Museum moves toward its Centennial in 2028, the Board of Trustees, Wabanaki Council, and Museum Staff have put together a three year strategic plan. The plan reaffirms the Abbe’s educational mission, and focuses staff on activating patrons to be better and more informed allies of the Wabanaki Nations. More information and a copy of the plan can be found on the Abbe Museum’s website.
Sports
The Celtics beat the Bulls last night 122-100.
Celtics off until Friday, when they’ll take on the Penguins in New Orleans.
The Bruins home against the Winnipeg Jets.
Just one local high school basketball score to report from last night, but it’s a good one – the Ellsworth boys beat John Bapst by a point 47-46.
These local high school basketball teams on the courts tonight: the George Stevens boys and girls teams take on Deer Isle Stonington, the Washington Academy boys shoot hoops with MDI, and these additional girls games – Ellsworth faces Washington Academy, Sumner takes on Mattanawcook, the Jonesport-Beals Lady Royals on the court against the Narraguagus Lady Knights, and the Shead Tigers try to put their claws into the Calais Blue Devils.